Dental Handpiece Coolant Mist Controller Backflow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dental handpieces face issues with coolant backflow contamination, excess coolant flow, and microbial concerns due to inadequate control over mist air, which can lead to patient discomfort and risk of infection.
Innovation Solution
A dental fluid delivery system comprising a coolant water supply unit, drive air line, and a coolant mist air controller that includes a controller with a drive air inlet, water inlet, drive air outlet, and mist air outlet, allowing for precise control of coolant and mist air flow, and is designed for autoclave sterilization to ensure sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If coolant spray or mist is used to cool the drill, then the drill temperature is controlled to prevent tissue burning, but coolant backflow contamination can occur
Solution Approach 1:
A backflow preventer valve is introduced as an intermediary component in the fluid pathway between the patient's mouth and the coolant reservoir. This valve acts as a mediator that allows coolant to flow forward to the handpiece for cooling while preventing saliva, blood, and other oral fluids from flowing backward into the reservoir, thus resolving the contradiction between effective cooling and contamination prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The backflow preventer mechanism is extracted as a separate, dedicated component from the overall coolant delivery system. By isolating the backflow prevention function into a distinct valve assembly, the system maintains effective coolant flow for cooling while independently addressing the contamination issue without compromising the cooling function
2Quantity of substance
If mist air is used to control coolant flow, then excess coolant flow is prevented, but mist air may embed debris in soft oral tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts coolant flow by controlling mist air delivery to the handpiece. The mist air serves as a carrier that regulates coolant atomization and flow rate, preventing excess coolant discharge. This dynamic control mechanism balances the need for precise coolant quantity management with the risk of tissue irritation from mist air
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state and delivery parameters of the coolant by introducing mist air. This transforms the coolant from a liquid stream into an aerosolized mist that can be precisely controlled in terms of flow rate and distribution, thereby preventing both excess coolant flow and direct liquid contact that could embed debris in tissue
3Productivity
If compressed air is used for turbine drive and mist generation, then the handpiece operates effectively, but microbial contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs disposable or sterilizable coolant reservoirs and associated components that can be autoclaved. These single-use or periodically sterilizable elements replace permanent, hard-to-sterilize components, allowing the handpiece to maintain effective compressed air operation while eliminating microbial contamination risks through disposable or autoclavable fluid pathways
Solution Approach 2:
The potentially contaminated compressed air pathway for mist generation is separated from the sterile coolant delivery system. By extracting the mist air intake and delivery as a distinct, non-sterile pathway while maintaining a separate sterile coolant pathway, the system preserves handpiece effectiveness while minimizing microbial contamination risks to the patient
4Reliability
If the entire fluid delivery system is made autoclave-compatible, then sterile procedures are ensured, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid delivery system is segmented into distinct modules: an autoclave-compatible coolant reservoir and delivery components, and a separate handpiece assembly. This segmentation allows the critical fluid pathway components to be sterilized independently via autoclave, ensuring sterility without requiring the entire complex handpiece assembly to be autoclaved, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively prevents coolant backflow, manages coolant flow to maintain a clear work field, and ensures sterile conditions by allowing for user operation with gloves on, reducing the risk of contamination and infection.
Implementation Method 1
a drive air line connected to a water supply unit for delivery of drive air to a dental drill
Implementation Method 2
hand pieces typically utilize a coolant spray or mist, commonly water spray or mist, that encompasses the work area
Implementation Method 3
High speed drills generate heat from friction as the drill contacts a tooth. Contact with a hot drill could burn delicate oral tissue
Implementation Method 4
coolant mist air controller adapted for connection to a dental drill
Data Source
AI summary
A dental fluid delivery system for use with a dental drill is disclosed. The dental fluid delivery system includes a coolant water supply, a drive air line, a water line, and a coolant mist air controller. The coolant water supply unit includes a controller and a water container. The controller has a drive air inlet, a water inlet communicatively connected to the water container, a drive air outlet, and a water outlet. The drive air line is connected to the drive air outlet of the water supply unit. The water line is connected to the water outlet of the water supply unit. The coolant mist air controller is connectable in use to a dental drill. The mist air controller has a drive air inlet, a drive air outlet, a water inlet, a water outlet, and a mist air outlet.